How Do I...

Obtain Telephone Advice?

Interruptions during surgery are upsetting to both doctor and patient. To avoid this, doctors will usually be available to take calls between 11.45am and 12.15pm or by arrangement with the receptionist. Please make calls as brief as possible.

Make An Appointment?

An appointment system operates at both morning and afternoon surgeries and appointments may be made at reception in person or by telephone. Please make appointments as soon as possible. Do not leave it until the last minute unless it is genuinely urgent, in which case please explain to the receptionist, giving as much information as possible - remember this is all treated in confidence.

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that the appointment can be offered to someone else. A separate appointment is required for each person to be seen. When you come to the health centre please check in at reception so that your details may be confirmed. Please remember each booked appointment is for 10 minutes only. When making an appointment you will be given a choice of doctor but you may have to wait for a specific doctor if you so choose.

It may not always be necessary to see a doctor face to face. It is possible to speak to a doctor by telephone or, if appropriate, to see one of the nurses or the health visitor.

Obtain A Home Visit?

Home visits are for patients who are too frail or ill to get to the surgery and should not be requested simply because it is inconvenient to travel. On average, three to four times as many patients can be seen in the surgery in the time it takes to see one at home.

For home visits, contact the health centre before 10.30am (emergencies excluded). Please give the receptionist adequate information, so that the doctor may assess the need and urgency of the request.

Obtain Test Results?

Please telephone after 2.00pm for results of all tests to allow time for processing. Results will NOT be given to another person unless we have your permission.